Is there reason to be optimistic about the Cowboys in

Is there reason to be optimistic about the Cowboys in 2022?

by

There is a lot of pessimism in the cowboy nation heading into the 2022 season, and there are reasons for it. The way the Cowboys were eliminated in the playoffs, the friction between Jerry Jones and coach Mike McCarthy, the possible repetition of the mistakes made in 2021, the franchise’s off-sports problems… All this makes for a bleak picture for a disappointed fan base.

But that is not all. The main concern for the next campaign has to do with the salary cap. Dallas has $21.4 million over the salary cap for this year. This leaves the team with difficult decisions to make, both with some of its highest-paid players and those awaiting possible renewal with the team. And this could imply that the roster could be weakened in 2022.

With all this, are there reasons to be optimistic with the cowboy team for the next campaign?

Actually, yes there are.

This is not a facelift for the team, much less an attempt to ignore all the problems and dysfunctions it has right now. Rather, this is a kind of reminder. Regardless, the Cowboys have some reasons to be optimistic ahead of the upcoming NFL season. And here we detail some of them.

#1 – Micah Parsons’ performance in his second year

Without a doubt, linebacker Micah Parsons was one of the good news for Dallas in the recently completed season. The choice of the Penn State product in the first round of the 2021 Draft was a play that went very well for the Cowboys. And the fact that Parsons was unanimously named The Associated Press (AP) Defensive Rookie of the Year is just one example of that.

In his first year in Dallas, Parsons emerged as one of the team’s defensive pillars. His versatility to play linebacker or designated pass-rusher made him a serious threat to opposing offenses. His production in the regular season proves it: 84 combined tackles, 20 tackles for loss of yards, 30 hits to the quarterback, 13 sacks, three passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

While rivals may try to neutralize Parsons in 2022, there is one big factor. Days ago, the linebacker revealed that he played during the 2021 season with a hyperextension in one knee, an injury suffered during training camp. Despite this, Parsons produced some impressive numbers in his rookie year. And this, without a doubt, makes more than one rub his hands thinking about what he can do being 100%.

#2 – Dan Quinn’s Continuity as Defensive Coordinator

Of course, we can’t forget that both Parsons’ production in his rookie year and the Cowboys’ improvement on defense have one architect: Dan Quinn. And there is no doubt that, of the coaches whose stay in Dallas was in doubt weeks ago, Quinn’s continuity is the most welcome.

In his first year as defensive coordinator, Quinn exceeded expectations. The Dallas defense went from being the mediocre performance unit of 2020 to being a factory of changes of possession in 2021, leading the NFL in this section. This earned Quinn the NFL Honors Assistant Coach of the Year award.

For the 2022 season, Dallas’ defense is expected to continue to improve under Dan Quinn’s tutelage. There are still many aspects to correct, but the continuity of the coordinator ensures that the same line of work is maintained. Besides, Quinn’s rapport with the players and the energy he brings to the team are more than welcome.

#3 – A talented roster despite potential departures

There are several key Cowboys players whose continuity in 2022 is not guaranteed. For one thing, Amari Cooper and DeMarcus Lawrence could be cut to free up cap space. And, on the other, there are several players who will become free agents in March and who would be waiting for a possible extension. Such is the case of Randy Gregory, Michael Gallup, Dalton Schultz and Cedric Wilson, among others.

However, we must not forget the quality of the players who will remain under contract this year. Dallas has a talented team, as evidenced by the selections of several Cowboys players for this year’s Pro Bowl: Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, Bryan Anger, Tyron Smith and Zack Martin. This, in addition, adds the later invitations to receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.

It is true that several players who will continue in Dallas this year have a lot of room for improvement. Likewise, pieces like running back Tony Pollard deserve more opportunities considering what they can bring. However, the cowboy roster has talent. And he may have even more talent depending on the additions Will McClay manages in the draft and free agency.

#4 – The status of divisional rivals

It is true that the NFC East hasn’t been champions in consecutive seasons since 2004. However, despite their failures, the Cowboys are once again emerging as favorites to win the division. And this, in large part, is due to the situation of the other teams.

In fact, the other teams in the NFC East are arguably in the process of rebuilding. Both the Eagles and Commanders have doubts at quarterback, and they may turn to the Draft to find a new starter. Meanwhile, the Giants may have the same dilemma. However, the arrival of Brian Daboll (former offensive coordinator of the Bills) as the new head coach raises expectations in the New York team.

If the outlook for the NFC East stays the same, the Cowboys could repeat as division champions in 2022. Making the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2007 would be a huge boost for the Cowboys. And after a bitter wild-card exit in 2021, Dallas may learn from its mistakes. As overly optimistic as that may sound.

#5 – Dak Prescott’s Fitness

Without a doubt, the Cowboys quarterback has been the most criticized after the elimination in the playoffs. And, for much of cowboy nation, it’s one of the big reasons to be pessimistic in 2022. However, there’s a reason to be optimistic about Dak Prescott next season. And that is the physical state of him.

Unlike last year, Prescott won’t spend the entire offseason recovering from injury. This time, the quarterback will be working with private coaches and focusing on improving his game. Likewise, if Dak has any sequelae to the calf injury he suffered in week 6, the discomfort should disappear during these months.

Prescott will continue to be criticized as long as he doesn’t deliver solid results and titles, and that’s a fact. Either way, the quarterback is expected to be able to prepare adequately and offer a level commensurate with his status and his salary. Yes, it is better to be more cautious than optimistic about Prescott. But if he manages to be 100% and offer a good performance in 2022 beyond the statistics, it would not be viewed with bad eyes.

Admittedly, there is more reason to be pessimistic about the Cowboys in 2022 than there is to be optimistic. And, ultimately, it’s up to each fan to take his stance on the cowboy team for next season. Either of the two positions has reasons to be sustained. Either way, what is always expected in the background is that Dallas can end its title drought. And if this were to happen in 2022, one way or another, then welcome.

We would love to thank the author of this write-up for this outstanding web content

Is there reason to be optimistic about the Cowboys in 2022?

Related posts:

Shanahan 'happy' with Purdy and Lance as QBs for 2023
Tom Brady and the end of an era of quarterbacks in the NFL: Roethlisberger, the Mannings, Brees... o...
Texans hire DeMeco Ryans as coach
NFL: Sean Payton, new Denver Broncos coach for next season